Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

46 the room/The room
35 here/HERE
20 the hotel
13 home/Home
13 there
11 the hospital
9 the road
8 the sidewalk
8 the house
8 the space

GPE

6 the city
3 the country
3 there
3 here
3 town
2 this city
1 this place
1 his home city of London
1 my home country
1 That 's London for you

LOC

41 the world/The world
3 the pool
2 the real world
2 this world
2 this earth
2 the entire world
2 the water
2 the countryside
2 the clearing
1 the heart of London

PER

38 the Mafia/The Mafia
26 the man/The man
24 anyone/Anyone
24 a woman/A woman
22 No one/no one
20 someone/Someone
18 each other
16 man/Man
16 my father/My father
16 my wife/My wife

ORG

2 the Mafia
1 an unit
1 high school
1 the foster system in the UK
1 well - known BDSM clubs
1 an international crime organization
1 the entire security system
1 a church
1 my own group

VEH

12 the car/The car
5 The limo/the limo
4 the elevator
3 my car
2 the vehicle
2 this car/This car
2 the cart
2 a helicopter
2 his Jeep
2 a Harley

Text

[The Billionaire†™ s Secret

L. Steele]_{172-the billionaire†™ s secret l. steele}

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

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Prologue

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[I]_0-i have a heart that never beats , [I]_0-i have [a home]_{174-a home} but [I]_0-i never sleep . [I]_0-i can take [[a man]_{175-a man} 's house]_{176-a man 's house} and build another 's , [I]_0-i love to play games with [[my]_0-i many brothers]_{177-my many brothers} . [I]_0-i am [a king among [fools]_179-fools]_{178-a king among fools} . Who am [I]_0-i ?

Answer : [The King of Hearts]_{180-the king of hearts} in a deck of cards

[Victoria]_108-victoria

" Will [he]_{175-a man} or wo n't [he]_{175-a man} ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn to [the man playing the role of [[my]_0-i husband]_{182-my husband}]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} , " Who are [you]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} talking about ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . " [Saint]_47-saint , "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} [He]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} replies . " Who ? "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} " [The man glowering at [you]_0-i from across [the garden]_{2045-the garden}]_{2044-the man glowering at you from across the garden} . "_[43-adam] [Adam]_43-adam swipes a finger under [his]_43-adam collar , " [I]_43-adam wonder if [he]_{2044-the man glowering at you from across the garden} 'll approach [you]_0-i before the night is over ? "_[43-adam] [I]_0-i angle [my]_0-i body , but [he]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} shakes [his]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} head , " Do n't look there . "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} Right . [I]_0-i swallow . " Is that good ? "_[0-i] " It 's perfect . "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} [he]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} reassures [me]_0-i . " Things are on plan . "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} This is what [I]_0-i want , do n't [I]_0-i ? This is why [I]_0-i am here . So why is [my]_0-i heart pounding ? Why is [my]_0-i stomach tying itself in knots ? A trickle of sweat runs down [my]_0-i spine . " Act natural . "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} [He]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} half smiles . [I]_0-i swallow , tip up [my]_0-i chin . [I]_0-i can do this . " Come , [dear]_2046-dear , meet [[your]_2046-dear stepdaughter]_{2047-your stepdaughter} , "_{[181-the man playing the role of my husband]} [he]_{181-the man playing the role of my husband} beckons . [I]_0-i step forward , and [my]_0-i heels sink into the lawns attached to [the beautiful town house located in prime real estate in [the heart of [London]_2-london]_{184-the heart of london}]_{183-the beautiful town house located in prime real estate in the heart of london} . [I]_0-i smooth [my]_0-i palm down the golden brown dress that comes to below [my]_0-i knees . Good thing [I]_0-i 'd packed this dress near the top of [my]_0-i luggage ; that had made it much easier to change before leaving [the airport]_{185-the airport} . Finding the shoes had been a different story . [Our]_186-our flight from [LAX]_3-lax to [London]_2-london had been delayed , leaving no time to spare for a stop at [[our]_186-our hotel]_{187-our hotel} . The hair on the nape of [my]_0-i neck prickles . An electric shiver runs up [my]_0-i spine . [I]_0-i jerk [my]_0-i chin up . Blue eyes blaze at [me]_0-i — cerulean , cold , never - ending whorls of cornflowers in summer time , the dark depths of [a lake before the water]_{188-a lake before the water} freezes over . How could so many facets be intertwined with [his]_189-his gaze ? [I]_0-i swallow , sweat beads [my]_0-i palm . The words from Happiness is a Warm Gun , by the Beatles scroll across [my]_0-i mind . Heat flushes [my]_0-i cheeks . [I]_0-i have a penchant for the Beatles , but why the hell did [I]_0-i have to think of that particular song ? [Saint]_47-saint glances from [me]_0-i to [[my]_0-i ' husband]_{190-my ' husband} . ' [His]_47-saint jaw tics . Anger rolls off of [him]_47-saint , a thick black cloud that slams into [my]_0-i chest , sinks into [my]_0-i blood , hooks into [me]_0-i and seems to yank [me]_0-i toward [him]_47-saint . Closer , get closer . [I]_0-i gasp and [my]_0-i fingers tremble . [Saint]_47-saint 's gaze intensifies and a shiver crawls up [my]_0-i spine . [My]_0-i toes curl . Why am [I]_0-i so affected by [his]_47-saint presence ? [Adam]_43-adam nudges [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i blink ; tear [my]_0-i gaze away from [the stranger]_{191-the stranger} . " Summer . "_[43-adam] [I]_0-i hold [my]_0-i hand out to [[my]_0-i stepdaughter]_{192-my stepdaughter} . " It 's lovely to meet [you]_{191-the stranger} . "_[43-adam] [She]_{192-my stepdaughter} 's beautiful in [her]_{192-my stepdaughter} wedding dress . At twenty - one , [she]_{192-my stepdaughter} is a year younger than [me]_0-i . And [she]_{192-my stepdaughter} has already found [the man of [her]_{192-my stepdaughter} dreams]_{193-the man of her dreams} . [Me]_0-i ? [I]_0-i am taking it one day at a time . [I]_0-i am trying to survive . [I]_0-i clutch [my]_0-i handbag to [my]_0-i side . [Summer]_44-summer swallows . " [I]_44-summer did n’t realize … "_[44-summer] " That [you]_{194-the man she is meeting after fifteen years} had [a stepmother]_{2048-a stepmother} ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ ... that [I]_44-summer had [a father]_{2049-a father} . ”_[44-summer] [She]_44-summer glances at [the man [she]_44-summer is meeting after fifteen years]_{194-the man she is meeting after fifteen years} . [Adam]_43-adam shuffles [his]_43-adam feet , " [I]_43-adam was hoping [you]_2050-you two could get acquainted , "_[43-adam] [he]_43-adam mumbles . Across from [me]_0-i , [Saint]_47-saint widens [his]_47-saint stance ; [his]_47-saint hands are clenched at [his]_47-saint sides . Huh ? Is [he]_47-saint upset about something ? " [I]_0-i did n’t mean for this to come as such a surprise . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i force [myself]_0-i to focus on [Summer]_44-summer , " [I]_44-summer wish there had been a way [I]_44-summer could have warned [you]_44-summer of [our]_2051-our coming … but ... "_[44-summer] [Summer]_44-summer nods , " [You]_0-i do n’t need to apologize . "_[44-summer] [Her]_44-summer eyes narrow , " [I]_44-summer understand how it could have been . "_[44-summer] [I]_0-i glance from [Summer]_44-summer to [[her]_44-summer new husband]_{195-her new husband} , [Sinclair Sterling]_45-sinclair who hovers protectively over [her]_44-summer . [He]_45-sinclair and [[his]_45-sinclair six friends]_{196-his six friends} — often referred to as [the Seven by the media]_{197-the seven by the media} — co - own 7A Investments . [They]_198-they are among [the richest , most powerful men in [the country]_{200-the country}]_{199-the richest , most powerful men in the country} ... [Saint]_47-saint is [one of [them]_198-they]_{201-one of them} . Why the hell ca n't [I]_0-i stop thinking of [him]_47-saint ? [I]_0-i clear [my]_0-i throat , " Perhaps , [we]_2052-we can catch up once [you]_44-summer are recovered from [your]_44-summer wedding and the honeymoon — "_[0-i] " There is no honeymoon , "_{[45-sinclair]} [Sinclair]_45-sinclair interjects . [Summer]_44-summer ’s body tenses again . Strange . [His]_45-sinclair words are brusque . Yet [he]_45-sinclair has n't been able to look away from [her]_44-summer , [his]_45-sinclair body leaning into [hers]_44-summer . Funny how body language conveys so much more than words . Like [the man who has n't glanced away from [me]_0-i since [our]_203-us eyes first met]_{202-the man who has n't glanced away from me since our eyes first met} . Goosebumps pop on [my]_0-i skin . " Not until [we]_203-us ’ve sorted out the little business between [us]_203-us . "_{[45-sinclair]} [Sinclair]_45-sinclair nods toward [Adam]_43-adam , " Tomorrow . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair steps around [us]_203-us and walks off , guiding [Summer]_44-summer along . " [I]_43-adam wo n't be more than a minute . "_[43-adam] [Adam]_43-adam strides toward [a group of men in a corner of [the garden]_{2045-the garden}]_{204-a group of men in a corner of the garden} . [I]_0-i glance after [him]_45-sinclair , wanting to ask [him]_45-sinclair not to leave [me]_0-i alone with [Saint]_47-saint . Too late . [He]_45-sinclair prowls closer , " [Victoria]_108-victoria , is it ? "_{[45-sinclair]} Black coffee , crushed ice , hot chocolate sauce — the timbre of [his]_45-sinclair voice coils about [my]_0-i waist , slithers down to the hollow between [my]_0-i legs . [My]_0-i toes curl . [I]_0-i clench [my]_0-i thighs together . That voice ? What [I]_0-i would n't give to have [him]_45-sinclair read aloud from a Harry Potter novel . Oh , [my]_0-i god , did [I]_0-i think that ? Why is [he]_45-sinclair insinuating [himself]_45-sinclair into [my]_0-i every obsession ? [I]_0-i shuffle [my]_0-i feet . [He]_45-sinclair tilts [his]_45-sinclair head , looks [me]_0-i up and down . [Those]_45-sinclair blue eyes pale until they resemble chips of ice . [My]_0-i heart begins to race . [This man]_{206-this man} ? [He]_45-sinclair 'd not take ‘ no ’ for an answer . Never turn down a challenge . [His]_45-sinclair lips curl and [he]_45-sinclair widens [his]_45-sinclair stance . The movement draws [my]_0-i attention to the fabric tented at [his]_45-sinclair crotch . What the — ? Is [he]_45-sinclair turned on ? And [he]_45-sinclair 's making no move to hide it either ? The arrogance of [the man]_{207-the man} . A warmth pools deep inside of [me]_0-i . A melting sensation thrums out from [my]_0-i core . And why am [I]_0-i not able to stop [my]_0-i response ? No way , am [I]_0-i going to indulge [his]_45-sinclair interest ... Or [his]_45-sinclair ego for that matter . " Mrs. Rhodes to [you]_45-sinclair . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i tip up [my]_0-i chin , up , all the way up to peer into [his]_45-sinclair beautiful face . " Are [you]_45-sinclair [the hired help]_{2053-the hired help} ? "_[0-i] [His]_45-sinclair expression falters , then a chuckle rumbles from [him]_45-sinclair . The harsh sound grates across [my]_0-i skin . All of [my]_0-i nerve endings pop in response . Why am [I]_0-i so tuned into [him]_45-sinclair ? [He]_45-sinclair abruptly stops laughing , pretends to flick something off of [his]_45-sinclair suit . [Bastard]_208-bastard . So [he]_45-sinclair thinks [he]_45-sinclair can disguise [his]_45-sinclair surprise by feigning boredom ? Typical . [His]_45-sinclair resting dick face is all hard angles , cut lines , a mean upper lip , patrician nose and prominent chin ... spoilt by that full pouty lower lip which hints at something more — sensuous , luxurious , a personality that indulges in hedonistic pleasures , that controls and does not hesitate to take . [My]_0-i core clenches . [I]_0-i raise [my]_0-i hand , ready to chew on [my]_0-i fingernail . Ha ! And would n't that be a dead giveaway of how much [I]_0-i am affected by [his]_45-sinclair presence ? [I]_0-i tuck [my]_0-i elbows into [my]_0-i sides . [I]_0-i will not give into the temptation . But would [I]_0-i give in to [him]_45-sinclair ? No . No way , would [I]_0-i indulge this melting sensation that seems to have gripped [my]_0-i center . [I]_0-i square [my]_0-i shoulders , twist [my]_0-i fingers together in front of [me]_0-i . [He]_45-sinclair drops [his]_45-sinclair gaze to [my]_0-i hands , then up to [my]_0-i face , " [You]_0-i 're not wearing a wedding band . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair frowns . [I]_0-i cover [my]_0-i left hand . " [Not everyone who 's married]_{2054-not everyone who 's married} wears one . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair thrusts out [his]_45-sinclair chin , peruses [my]_0-i features . [His]_45-sinclair blue gaze deepens . Do n’t ' blink . Do n't look away . When [you]_209-you meet [a predator]_{210-a predator} , it 's best to not show any fear . [My]_0-i heart beat ratchets up . [His]_45-sinclair nostrils flare . Bloody hell , can [he]_45-sinclair sense [my]_0-i uncertainty ? [He]_45-sinclair tilts [his]_45-sinclair head , “ [[Your]_0-i husband]_{2055-your husband} left [you]_0-i on [your]_0-i own ? "_{[45-sinclair]} [His]_45-sinclair voice ripples up [my]_0-i spine . [My]_0-i scalp tingles . What in the ever lovin' hell is happening to [me]_0-i ? [I]_0-i brace [myself]_0-i , tip [my]_0-i chin up . " [He]_45-sinclair knows [he]_45-sinclair can trust [me]_0-i , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i reply . [His]_45-sinclair lips curl , " But can [you]_0-i trust [me]_45-sinclair ? "_{[45-sinclair]} [I]_0-i blink . The hell does [he]_45-sinclair mean ? [My]_0-i fingers tingle and [my]_0-i palms itch . [I]_0-i 'd tried every bloody remedy to cure [myself]_0-i of this horrible nail - biting habit . But the events of the last few months have wiped out any progress [I]_0-i had made . [He]_45-sinclair holds out [his]_45-sinclair hand . " [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]_47-saint , "_{[45-sinclair]} [he]_45-sinclair drawls . " Did [you]_0-i miss a name ? "_{[45-sinclair]} [His]_45-sinclair features go blank , then [his]_45-sinclair lips curl , " Very good . "_{[45-sinclair]} " Not looking for [your]_45-sinclair approval , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i scowl . " [You]_0-i sure ? "_[0-i] [His]_45-sinclair lips kick up in a smile that is n't one at all . [I]_0-i shiver . " [I]_0-i 'm Saint to [[my]_0-i friends]_{2056-my friends} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance down at [his]_45-sinclair proffered hand , then thrust mine behind [my]_0-i back . " Good thing [I]_0-i am not [one of [them]_{2056-my friends}]_{201-one of them} , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter . [He]_45-sinclair lowers [his]_45-sinclair arm . " No , [you]_0-i 're not . "_{[45-sinclair]} [His]_45-sinclair eyes gleam . " [You]_0-i and [I]_45-sinclair , [we]_2058-we could never have such a bland relationship . "_{[45-sinclair]} " No ? "_[0-i] [My]_0-i belly flutters . [He]_45-sinclair shakes [his]_45-sinclair head , then looks [me]_0-i up and down . " In fact , [you]_0-i do n't feature on [my]_45-sinclair radar at all . "_{[45-sinclair]} [Jerk]_48-jerk . [Pretentious , spoilt , rich prick who wears [his]_45-sinclair privilege as if [the world]_{212-the world} owes [him]_45-sinclair]_{211-pretentious , spoilt , rich prick who wears his privilege as if the world owes him} . [I]_0-i firm [my]_0-i lips . [He]_45-sinclair flicks another invisible piece of dust from [his]_45-sinclair tailored jacket . The breadth of [his]_45-sinclair shoulders stretches the fabric . [His]_45-sinclair biceps strain against the cloth . [He]_45-sinclair widens [his]_45-sinclair stance , and [I]_0-i ca n't stop [myself]_0-i from taking in the sculpted abs outlined through the white dress shirt that sheaths [his]_45-sinclair muscles . Power surrounds [him]_45-sinclair . The force of [his]_45-sinclair magnetism is a tangible sensation that pours off of [him]_45-sinclair , hits [me]_0-i in the chest . [I]_0-i gasp . [My]_0-i throat closes . " Good bye , [Victoria]_108-victoria . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair turns to leave , takes a step away , then another . [His]_45-sinclair jacket stretches across [his]_45-sinclair tight butt — clearly [he]_45-sinclair forgot to take the stick out of it when [he]_45-sinclair left [home]_213-home . [My]_0-i lips quirk . [He]_45-sinclair prowls forward and [his]_45-sinclair slacks mold to powerful thighs . [I]_0-i swallow . [This man]_{206-this man} wears that suit like it was stitched onto [him]_45-sinclair . The muscles of those powerful thighs coil and coil , barely contained in those pants that narrow over boots . Huh ? [He]_45-sinclair wears faded cowboy boots that've seen far better days . What the hell ? Is that a quirk , or another affectation ? Why would [he]_45-sinclair wear boots that simply do n't match the rest of [his]_45-sinclair £ 7000 suits ? Only when [my]_0-i heel sinks into the ground do [I]_0-i realize that [I]_0-i 've placed [my]_0-i stilettos squarely in [his]_45-sinclair footstep . [I]_0-i bite the inside of [my]_0-i cheek . Let [him]_45-sinclair go ; do n't say it . Do n't let curiosity get the better of [you]_215-you . " The more [you]_45-sinclair think , the more [you]_45-sinclair find ; what am [I]_0-i ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i call out . [He]_45-sinclair tenses , then swivels to face [me]_0-i . " What did [you]_45-sinclair say ? "_{[45-sinclair]} [Those]_45-sinclair cold blue eyes bore into [me]_0-i , the force of [his]_45-sinclair personality pinning [me]_0-i in place . [My]_0-i heart begins to race . [I]_0-i 've done it ; [I]_0-i 've revealed [my]_0-i hand . Ugh . Why could n't [I]_0-i have kept quiet ? " N ... nothing . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i wave a hand in the air , " Forget it . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn away . Hard fingers clutch at [my]_0-i wrist . [I]_0-i am spun around , with such force that [I]_0-i stumble . The grasp on [my]_0-i arm increases in pressure , and [I]_0-i find [my]_0-i balance . [He]_45-sinclair keeps [my]_0-i hand imprisoned behind [me]_0-i , [his]_45-sinclair arm lined up against [mine]_0-i , [my]_0-i back curved , [my]_0-i breasts thrust up . The heat from [his]_45-sinclair body crowds [me]_0-i , envelops [me]_0-i . Less than an inch separates [us]_216-us . How would it be if [he]_45-sinclair had plastered [my]_0-i chest to [his]_45-sinclair ? [I]_0-i flick out [my]_0-i tongue to wet [my]_0-i lips . [His]_45-sinclair gaze drops to [my]_0-i mouth . [His]_45-sinclair nostrils flare . " Repeat what [you]_0-i said , "_{[45-sinclair]} [he]_45-sinclair rasps . " No . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair lowers [his]_45-sinclair voice to a hush , " Do it . "_{[45-sinclair]} All other noises fade away . [My]_0-i mind focuses on [him]_45-sinclair . [I]_0-i take in the creases that fan out from the edges of [his]_45-sinclair eyes , the furrows on [his]_45-sinclair forehead , the tendons that pop at [his]_45-sinclair throat . " A puzzle , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . " The answer is a puzzle . "_[0-i] " Why did [you]_45-sinclair ask [me]_45-sinclair that question ? "_{[45-sinclair]} " [I]_0-i wanted to take [you]_45-sinclair by surprise . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i firm [my]_0-i lips . " That 's all . "_[0-i] " [You]_45-sinclair expect [me]_45-sinclair to believe that ? "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair searches [my]_0-i features . " That [you]_0-i 'd ask [me]_45-sinclair a riddle for the hell of it ? "_{[45-sinclair]} " Why ? Does it scare [you]_0-i ? "_{[45-sinclair]} The wind blows , and a tuft of [his]_45-sinclair hair falls over [his]_45-sinclair forehead . [I]_0-i raise [my]_0-i hand toward it . [He]_45-sinclair grabs [my]_0-i wrist , wrenches tit behind [my]_0-i back , then lowers [his]_45-sinclair head until [his]_45-sinclair nose bumps [mine]_0-i . " Be afraid , [Victoria]_108-victoria . Be very afraid . "_{[45-sinclair]} " Of [you]_45-sinclair ? "_{[45-sinclair]} " Of this game [you]_45-sinclair are playing . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair releases [me]_0-i and [I]_0-i slump back on [my]_0-i heels . [My]_0-i chest heaves . [My]_0-i heart pounds so hard [I]_0-i am sure it 's going to tear out of [my]_0-i rib cage . " Or what ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i purse [my]_0-i lips . " Or get ready to get hurt . "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair straightens the cuff of [his]_45-sinclair shirt . " For [I]_45-sinclair never lose , and when [you]_0-i do — "_{[45-sinclair]} [He]_45-sinclair straightens , fixes [me]_0-i with that penetrating gaze , " [No one]_{2059-no one} can save [you]_0-i . "_{[45-sinclair]}

1

[Saint]_47-saint

" And what if [I]_217-her do n't ? "_[217-her] [Her]_217-her low voice slices through [my]_0-i guts . " What if [I]_217-her do n’t want to be saved ? "_[217-her] [she]_217-her whispers . [Her]_217-her lips tremble and [her]_217-her chin wobbles . [Her]_217-her beautiful green eyes grow impossibly large in [her]_217-her face . An act , all an act . [She]_217-her 's married , for fuck 's sake . " Is that how [you]_0-i trapped [[your]_0-i husband]_{2055-your husband} ? "_[217-her] [She]_217-her pales . [Her]_217-her breath catches . A sharp pain stabs at [my]_0-i chest . Shit , now [I]_0-i am upset because [I]_0-i hurt [her]_217-her feelings . Bloody fuck , do [I]_0-i have [my]_0-i balls or what ? [She]_217-her turns to leave , [my]_0-i rib cage tightens . [My]_0-i lungs burn . [I]_0-i swoop down , grab [her]_217-her wrist , and pinpricks of heat crawl up [my]_0-i arm from the touch . What the fuck ? [She]_217-her shivers , did [she]_217-her feel that too ? Nah . Surely , it 's a figment of [my]_0-i imagination . [I]_0-i tug at [her]_217-her ; [she]_217-her angles [her]_217-her body half toward [me]_0-i , half away , [her]_217-her handbag a red slash of color against the brown of [her]_217-her dress . " [People]_2061-people are watching . "_[217-her] [she]_217-her hisses . " The fuck [I]_217-her care ? "_[217-her] [She]_217-her glances at [me]_0-i , " What if [I]_217-her do ? "_[217-her] " Do [you]_0-i ? "_[217-her] So [I]_0-i 'm attracted to [her]_217-her . Shit happens . [She]_217-her 's [[another man]_{218-another man} 's wife]_{219-another man 's wife} , the kind of complication [I]_0-i 've preferred to steer clear of . What is it about [her]_217-her that insists [I]_0-i stay , tug at [her]_217-her wrist until [she]_217-her turns to face [me]_0-i ? [She]_217-her shakes [her]_217-her head . One side of [her]_217-her beautiful mouth twists . " But [I]_217-her 'm afraid [[my]_217-her husband]_{182-my husband} does . "_[217-her] " And [you]_217-her care about [his]_{182-my husband} feelings ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glower . " [I]_0-i care about [mine]_0-i . "_[0-i] [She]_217-her tips up [her]_217-her chin . [Her]_217-her eyes blaze with an inner fire . " If [I]_217-her were looking for an affair , it would n't be with the likes of [you]_217-her . "_[217-her] " Oh ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i peruse [her]_217-her features , " And are [you]_217-her looking for one ? "_[0-i] " What ? "_[217-her] " [A lover]_{2063-a lover} . Someone who could arouse [you]_217-her with a glance , who would kiss [you]_217-her until [you]_217-her moan , someone who would pull [you]_217-her aside and take [you]_217-her while [[your]_217-her husband]_{2055-your husband} mingles with [the guests]_{2065-the guests} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i lean in close enough for [her]_217-her sweet sugary scent to lace [my]_0-i nostrils . Damn , but [she]_217-her 's aroused . " Is that what [you]_217-her want ? "_[217-her] " No . "_[217-her] [Her]_217-her eyebrows twist . " Good . "_[217-her] [I]_0-i release [her]_217-her so suddenly that [she]_217-her stumbles . " For when [I]_217-her take [you]_217-her , there will be no space for sweettalk , no emotions involved , no reason for hesitation . [I]_217-her 'll treat [your]_217-her body like it were [mine]_217-her . "_[217-her] [She]_217-her draws in a sharp breath . " [You]_217-her scared , yet ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i drawl . " No , "_[217-her] [she]_217-her mumbles . " [You]_0-i should be . "_[217-her] A gust of wind blows [her]_217-her hair across [her]_217-her face . [I]_0-i reach up to tuck it behind [her]_217-her ear . [She]_217-her shivers . [I]_0-i unbutton [my]_0-i jacket , shrug it off . [She]_217-her frowns . " What are [you]_0-i doing ? "_[217-her] [I]_0-i place it about [her]_217-her shoulders , position [my]_0-i mouth next to [her]_217-her ear , " When [I]_0-i finally drive into [you]_217-her , [you]_217-her 'll weep not because [I]_0-i 'm hurting [you]_217-her , but because [you]_217-her are empty without [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] [Her]_217-her breath hitches . " Because [you]_217-her ache for [me]_217-her and will do anything for [my]_217-her fingers in [you]_217-her , [my]_217-her tongue on [yours]_217-her , the squeeze of [my]_217-her hand on [your]_217-her hips , the burn between [your]_217-her thighs as [I]_217-her drink from [your]_217-her wetness . "_[217-her] [I]_0-i lower [my]_0-i voice . [Her]_217-her breasts heave . " When [you]_217-her plead with [me]_0-i to hurt [you]_217-her , to hold [you]_217-her down and claim [you]_217-her , to put [you]_217-her out of [your]_217-her agony even as [you]_217-her ask to be tormented further ; when [you]_217-her beg for [me]_0-i with [your]_217-her pretty mouth , when [you]_217-her yearn to be filled in any way [I]_0-i deem fit ... Then , and only then , [I]_0-i might let [you]_217-her come ... "_[0-i] [I]_0-i pause , " Or not . "_[217-her] [She]_217-her swallows . " And when [I]_217-her finally take [you]_217-her , it will be unexpected , life - altering , mind - blowing , intense . Everything else before will fade in comparison . "_[217-her] [Her]_217-her breathing grows more ragged . Good . [I]_0-i step back , pull the lapels of [my]_0-i jacket together . [My]_0-i knuckles brush against [her]_217-her breasts and [she]_217-her shivers . [My]_0-i groin tightens and [my]_0-i balls hurt . Fuck [me]_0-i , but this might be the first time [I]_0-i 've talked [myself]_0-i into a hard - on — thanks to [her]_217-her . " [You]_217-her want that , hmm ? "_[217-her] [She]_217-her shakes [her]_217-her head . [I]_0-i chuckle . " If [I]_0-i touched [you]_217-her between [your]_217-her legs , [you]_217-her and [I]_0-i both know [you]_217-her 'd be wet . And [you]_217-her are soaking , are n't [you]_217-her ? "_[0-i] [She]_217-her bites down on [her]_217-her lower lip , spots of color burning high on [her]_217-her cheekbones . [I]_0-i lower [my]_0-i voice to a hush , " Answer [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] [She]_217-her trembles , " Yes . "_[217-her] " Do [you]_0-i want [me]_217-her ? "_[217-her] [She]_217-her tips up [her]_217-her chin , " What if [I]_217-her do ? "_[217-her] " All [you]_0-i have to do is ask . "_[217-her] " And [you]_0-i 'll give [me]_217-her what [I]_217-her want ? "_[217-her] [Her]_217-her eyebrows knit . " [I]_217-her 'll make sure [you]_217-her get everything [you]_217-her deserve . "_[217-her] [I]_0-i look [her]_217-her up and down , " The time [you]_217-her spend with [me]_0-i will be the single most pleasurable time of [your]_217-her life . "_[0-i] [Her]_217-her lips part . [Her]_217-her pupils dilate . " [You]_217-her feel [me]_217-her ? "_[217-her] [She]_217-her nods . " Say it . "_[217-her] " [I]_217-her ... [I]_217-her feel [you]_0-i , "_[217-her] [she]_217-her whispers . " Good . "_[217-her] [I]_0-i turn to leave . Take one step , another . " Wait , "_[217-her] [she]_217-her calls out . Bingo , [I]_0-i bite the inside of [my]_0-i cheek to keep from smiling . Give it another second , then turn to glance at [her]_217-her . " [Your]_0-i jacket . "_[217-her] [She]_217-her begins to shrug out of it . [I]_0-i hold up [my]_0-i hand , " Keep it . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i pivot and leave . What the hell happened [there]_220-there ? Why did [she]_217-her ask [me]_0-i a riddle ? How did [she]_217-her know about the ghosts that have haunted [my]_0-i worst nightmares since the incident when [six of [[my]_0-i friends]_{2056-my friends}]_{221-six of my friends} and [I]_0-i had been kidnapped ? And why the hell had [I]_0-i allowed [myself]_0-i to be drawn into further conversation ? [I]_0-i 'd seen the hurt in [her]_217-her eyes and had wanted to replace it with a twisted pleasure . A primal part of [me]_0-i had wanted [her]_217-her to wear clothes [I]_0-i bought for [her]_217-her . Had wanted to replace memories of any previous encounters with [[her]_217-her husband]_{223-her husband} with those that [my]_0-i words had aroused in [her]_217-her . Does [she]_217-her enjoy it when [he]_{223-her husband} fucks [her]_217-her ? [I]_0-i clench [my]_0-i fingers at [my]_0-i sides . What the hell is wrong with [me]_0-i ? [She]_217-her 's taken , married to [another]_224-another . [I]_0-i should let [her]_217-her go . So why does every pore in [my]_0-i body insist that this is not over ? [I]_0-i head inside [the townhouse that belongs to [[my]_0-i friend]_{226-my friend} [Sinclair Sterling]_45-sinclair , aka [the groom of the wedding]_{227-the groom of the wedding}]_{225-the townhouse that belongs to my friend sinclair sterling , aka the groom of the wedding} . Striding to the bar , [I]_0-i lean over the counter , " Where the fuck did [she]_217-her come from ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i slide [my]_0-i fingers into [my]_0-i pocket , searching for the pack of cigarettes that is n't there . Shit , why did [I]_0-i quit again ? Whose bloody idea had it been to give up smoking ? [I]_0-i sure could do with a puff now . [Weston]_62-weston tops up [my]_0-i champagne flute . " Who are [you]_0-i talking about ? "_[62-weston] [he]_62-weston asks . " [Victoria]_108-victoria , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter . " [You]_62-weston mean [the woman [you]_62-weston 've been ogling]_{2066-the woman you 've been ogling} — "_[0-i] [I]_0-i snarl . [He]_62-weston snickers , " — [I]_62-weston meant ‘ staring at ’ for the last half hour . "_[62-weston] " Fuck off . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i reach for the champagne . " [She]_{2066-the woman you 've been ogling} 's married . "_[0-i] [Weston]_62-weston pours the remainder of the bubbling liquid in [his]_62-weston glass . " Yeah . "_[62-weston] [I]_0-i raise the flute to [my]_0-i lips . " Is n't that off limits , even for [you]_62-weston ? "_[0-i] [He]_62-weston overturns the bottle , places it in the bucket of ice . [He]_62-weston 's right . [I]_0-i stay away from [married women]_{228-married women} ... Normally . Do n’t need the kind of emotional baggage that comes with [them]_{228-married women} . Hell no , [I]_0-i prefer [my]_0-i hookups to be neat — swoop in , decimate , get out . [I]_0-i chug down the drink , then grimace . " Is n't there any real alcohol in [this place]_{2067-this place} ? "_[0-i] " That 's £ 20,000 [you]_62-weston chugged down there , [ol' chap]_{2068-ol' chap} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i stare into [my]_0-i glass . " Could have fooled [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i survey the shelf of liquors behind the bar . " Whiskey , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i growl . " Why are [you]_62-weston bartending anyway ? "_[0-i] " Because [Damian]_50-damian decided [he]_50-damian preferred the company of [one of the fairer sex than [[our]_2070-our esteemed selves]_{2071-our esteemed selves}]_{2069-one of the fairer sex than our esteemed selves} . "_[62-weston] " Right , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter . [Weston]_62-weston half turns [his]_62-weston body , reaches for the bottle [I]_0-i 'd have chosen [myself]_0-i . [Good man]_{229-good man} . [He]_62-weston places the bottle on the counter , pulls out tumblers , then proceeds to pour in a generous measure . [I]_0-i dunk [my]_0-i hand into the bucket , pull out ice - cubes that [I]_0-i plop into [my]_0-i drink . " Classy . "_[0-i] [Weston]_62-weston grimaces , uses ice - cube tongs for [his]_62-weston . " So , [you]_0-i interested in [[Summer]_44-summer 's stepmother]_{2072-summer 's stepmother} ? "_[0-i] " [She]_{2072-summer 's stepmother} 's [Summer]_44-summer 's age . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glower . " [You]_62-weston ’re not seriously considering this , are [you]_62-weston ? "_[0-i] " Why not ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i swirl the liquid in [my]_0-i glass . " Besides , something about that marriage is not right . "_[0-i] " [You]_0-i can never tell from the outside , "_[62-weston] [Weston]_62-weston retorts . " [Only those in the relationship]_{2073-only those in the relationship} have an inkling of what 's happening . "_[62-weston] " Come on . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i jerk [my]_0-i chin , " Watch [the two of [them]_{2074-the two of them}]_{2074-the two of them} . [You]_62-weston really think [she]_2075-she has feelings for [that piece of shit husband of [hers]_2075-she]_{2076-that piece of shit husband of hers} ? "_[0-i] [Weston]_62-weston glances past [me]_0-i . [He]_62-weston takes a sip from [his]_62-weston glass , " Did n't think [you]_0-i were the kind to indulge in speculation . "_[62-weston] [Me]_0-i neither . [I]_0-i rub the back of [my]_0-i neck . What the hell am [I]_0-i doing thinking about possibilities , about could - have - beens ? Had n't the events of [my]_0-i past taught [me]_0-i to move on swiftly ? To never look back , never dwell on the piece of shit hand [I]_0-i 'd been dealt . [I]_0-i chug down [my]_0-i drink . " [You]_62-weston 're right . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i set down the glass with a thump . " [I]_0-i am going to find out everything about [her]_2077-her , [ex - boyfriends]_{2078-ex - boyfriends} , what food [she]_2077-her likes , [her]_2077-her taste in clothes — "_[0-i] " Would n't [you]_0-i rather ask [her]_2077-her about it ? "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston tilts [his]_62-weston head . " What would the fun be in that ? "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston stares at [me]_0-i , then nods . " True . Knowledge is power and all that . "_[62-weston] " [I]_0-i am going to dig out every piece of dirt on [her]_2077-her and why [she]_2077-her ’s married to [that fucker of a husband]_{2079-that fucker of a husband} . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i tighten [my]_0-i fingers about the bottle . [Weston]_62-weston pulls out [his]_62-weston phone , moves [his]_62-weston fingers over the screen . " [I]_62-weston know just the person to help [you]_0-i . "_[62-weston]

2

What is always in front of [you]_230-you but ca n’t be seen ? Answer : [Your]_230-you future

5 days later

[Victoria

Sunlight]_108-victoria shines off the polished casket of [[my]_0-i husband]_{182-my husband} . [Adam Rhodes]_43-adam died 4 days ago in [[his]_43-adam home city of [London]_2-london]_{232-his home city of london} of a heart attack . [He]_43-adam was fifty - five years old . If [I]_0-i sound like [I]_0-i am reading the words from an impersonal obituary , it 's because [I]_0-i did n't spent much time with [him]_43-adam . [I]_0-i had played the role of [[his]_43-adam wife]_{233-his wife} for less than two months . Nevertheless , [I]_0-i should cry , should n't [I]_0-i ? [I]_0-i bite down on [my]_0-i lower lip , stare as the casket disappears out of sight into the ground . [No one]_{2059-no one} deserves to die that young . [I]_0-i had n't spent much time with [him]_43-adam ... Yet the fact that [he]_43-adam was breathing one second , gone the next is ... a shock . A wind blows and goosebumps dot [my]_0-i skin . That 's [London]_2-london for [you]_235-you . One moment [you]_235-you are warm in the sun , then the breeze brushes over [you]_235-you and it 's as if [someone]_236-someone walked over [your]_235-you grave . Not a good comparison right now . [My]_0-i lips twist . [I]_0-i hunch [my]_0-i shoulders in [my]_0-i jacket — okay , [Saint]_47-saint 's jacket . It dwarfs [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i had rolled up the sleeves so it would fit . Why the hell had [I]_0-i worn it ? What the hell had [I]_0-i been thinking ? It had seemed like a small act of defiance , one way to exert control over [my]_0-i life , [I]_0-i suppose . Had [I]_0-i wanted to be surrounded by [his]_43-adam scent ? [I]_0-i huddle into its warmth . Next to [me]_0-i , [Summer]_44-summer 's shoulders shake . [She]_44-summer clings to [[her]_44-summer sister]_{237-her sister} [Karma]_51-karma . [Both girls]_{238-both girls} had reconnected to [[their]_{238-both girls} father]_{239-their father} after so long , only to lose [him]_43-adam again . This was n't supposed to happen . It means [I]_0-i am on [my]_0-i own . An electric current surges up [my]_0-i spine . [I]_0-i stare past [the open grave]_{240-the open grave} . Blue eyes bore into [me]_0-i . The force of [his]_43-adam physical presence crashes into [me]_0-i . The impact of [his]_43-adam dominance pulls at [me]_0-i . The hollow feeling in [my]_0-i belly intensifies . The melting sensation in [my]_0-i core deepens . Shit . [[My]_0-i ' husband]_{190-my ' husband} ' is in [[his]_{190-my ' husband} newly - dug grave]_{242-his newly - dug grave} , not a few feet away , and [I]_0-i ca n't stop eye - fucking [the man]_{207-the man} — [the almost stranger]_{244-the almost stranger} — [the man who 'd threatened to hurt [me]_0-i if [I]_0-i engage with [him]_{207-the man} again]_{245-the man who 'd threatened to hurt me if i engage with him again} . What the hell is wrong with [me]_0-i ? [He]_{207-the man} takes a step forward , and hell , if [I]_0-i 'm going to let [him]_{207-the man} approach [me]_0-i here in front of [[my]_0-i family]_{246-my family} — [[my]_0-i dead husband 's family]_{247-my dead husband 's family} . That makes [me]_0-i [a widow]_{248-a widow} , right ? A pressure builds at [my]_0-i temples . This entire thing is getting out of hand . This is not what [I]_0-i had agreed to when [I]_0-i had bargained with [the kidnappers]_{249-the kidnappers} for [Nina]_52-nina 's freedom . [I]_0-i 'd agreed to pose as wife to [Adam Rhodes]_43-adam on this trip , and returned to [[my]_0-i home country]_{250-my home country} , as part of the plan . But [Saint]_47-saint ... ? This chemistry between [us]_251-us ... ? Hell , if it is n't a complication . In that sense , [Adam]_43-adam dying had been opportune . It means [I]_0-i do n't have to add the role of [cheating spouse]_{252-cheating spouse} to [my]_0-i persona . [I]_0-i squeeze [my]_0-i eyes shut . Bloody hell . How can [I]_0-i be this callous ? [I]_0-i barely knew [the man who had posed as [[my]_0-i husband]_{182-my husband}]_{253-the man who had posed as my husband} , but when had [I]_0-i become so insensitive that [I]_0-i could n't pause long enough to mourn the end of [someone]_236-someone 's life ? [I]_0-i turn to [Summer]_44-summer . " [I]_44-summer have to go , "_[44-summer] [I]_0-i choke on the words . [I]_0-i do n't have to fake the confusion or the pain that [I]_0-i am sure is etched on [my]_0-i face . [She]_44-summer glances at [me]_0-i , " [You]_0-i okay [Victoria]_108-victoria ? "_[44-summer] [I]_0-i nod . " Why do n't [you]_0-i come [home]_213-home with [me]_44-summer and ... "_[44-summer] [She]_44-summer glances at [Sinclair]_45-sinclair and [her]_44-summer voice trails off . So , [the two of [them]_{2074-the two of them}]_{2074-the two of them} have n't resolved whatever has been marring [their]_{2074-the two of them} relationship ? [I]_0-i wish [I]_0-i could offer [her]_44-summer some advice , but [glass houses]_{257-glass houses} , and all that . " [You]_0-i could come to [[our]_{2074-the two of them} place]_{2081-our place} , "_[51-karma] [Karma]_51-karma offers . " It 's [a tiny apartment]_{2082-a tiny apartment} , but [you]_0-i 'll have [company]_2083-company . "_[51-karma] " [I]_0-i ... "_[0-i] [I]_0-i swallow . " [I]_0-i think it 's better if [I]_0-i am on [my]_0-i own . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance between [them]_{2074-the two of them} . " Not that [I]_0-i do n't appreciate the offer . Honestly , [[you]_{2074-the two of them} two]_{2084-you two} have been more than generous , considering how much of a shock the last couple of days have been . "_[0-i] [My]_0-i chin wobbles . [I]_0-i twist [my]_0-i fingers together . " [I]_0-i need to get [my]_0-i head around what 's happened . "_[0-i] [Karma]_51-karma opens [her]_51-karma mouth to speak , but [Summer]_44-summer shakes [her]_44-summer head at [[her]_44-summer sister]_{237-her sister} . [Karma]_51-karma frowns , then subsides . Whew ! Okay . [I]_0-i do n't want to tell any more lies ... [I]_0-i need to crawl into bed and think about how to put the next phase of this plan into action . [Summer]_44-summer reaches forward and hugs [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i pat [her]_44-summer shoulder . " Thank [you]_44-summer for accepting [me]_0-i , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . " [You]_44-summer 're welcome . "_[0-i] [She]_44-summer steps back , " [We]_2085-we need to stick together , huh ? It 's the only way to get through this shit that life insists on throwing at [us]_2085-we . "_[44-summer] [I]_0-i squeeze [her]_44-summer hand , then brush past [her]_44-summer , and head for [the black limo that had brought [me]_0-i [here]_260-here]_{259-the black limo that had brought me here} . [I]_0-i twist open the door handle and sink inside [the vehicle]_{261-the vehicle} . " Move over . "_[47-saint] [Saint]_47-saint ducks inside , forcing [me]_0-i to scoot over . [He]_47-saint drops into the seat opposite [me]_0-i , slams the door shut . " What are [you]_47-saint doing ? "_[47-saint] [I]_0-i gape . [He]_47-saint half turns and raps on the partition that separates [the chauffeur]_{262-the chauffeur} from [the passengers]_{263-the passengers} , then straightens . [The car]_{264-the car} pulls away from the curb , leaving [me]_0-i trapped with this ... [this man whose face [I]_0-i have seen only once ; whose features are burned into [my]_0-i mind]_{265-this man whose face i have seen only once ; whose features are burned into my mind} . Hell . No way , am [I]_0-i riding with [him]_47-saint . Not for one second more . [I]_0-i grab at [my]_0-i handle ; the door does n't open . The hell ? [I]_0-i slap at the barrier between the seats . [The driver]_{266-the driver} does n't respond . Hit the switch that opens the communication channel with [the chauffeur]_{262-the chauffeur} , " Pull over . [I]_{266-the driver} want to get out . "_{[266-the driver]} There 's no answer . " Stop [this car]_{2086-this car} now , or [I]_{266-the driver} am going to call [the police]_{2087-the police} . "_{[266-the driver]} " Go ahead . "_[47-saint] [Saint]_47-saint smirks . [I]_0-i pull out [my]_0-i phone from [my]_0-i handbag , position [my]_0-i fingers over the keypad . And pause . A beat , another . " Thought not . "_[47-saint] [Saint]_47-saint takes the phone from [me]_0-i and pockets it . " [I]_47-saint 'll take that jacket now . "_[47-saint] [He]_47-saint jerks [his]_47-saint chin at [my]_0-i attire . " What ? "_[47-saint] [I]_0-i gape . " [My]_0-i jacket , [my]_0-i rules . "_[0-i] [His]_47-saint eyes glint . Jerk . [I]_0-i undo the buttons , shrug off the jacket . " It was n't [your]_0-i color anyway , "_[47-saint] [he]_47-saint comments . " No ? "_[47-saint] [He]_47-saint shakes [his]_47-saint head , " It accentuates the dark circles under [your]_0-i eyes . "_[47-saint] " Fuck [you]_47-saint very much . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i hold out the jacket to [him]_47-saint . [He]_47-saint chuckles , then jerks [his]_47-saint chin . [I]_0-i follow [his]_47-saint gaze to the coat hanger by the window on [his]_47-saint side . [It]_268-it ’s either maneuver around [him]_47-saint or over [him]_47-saint to reach it . " Do it . "_[268-it] What [a complete bastard]_{269-a complete bastard} . To hell with it , [I]_0-i am not going to allow [him]_47-saint to intimidate [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i half crawl over [him]_47-saint , reach for the hook at the far side , miss , then swear aloud . [His]_47-saint chuckle floats from over [me]_0-i , [his]_47-saint scent surrounds [me]_0-i , and the corded muscles of [his]_47-saint thighs graze against [my]_0-i stomach . [I]_0-i shiver , reach up for it again . Success . [I]_0-i hang the damn thing up , then retreat to [my]_0-i side of the seat . " [You]_0-i get much sleep ? "_[47-saint] [His]_47-saint voice dips , takes on that gravelly tenor that sends a fresh surge of heat down [my]_0-i spine . Hell , this crazy reaction to [his]_47-saint proximity ? Clearly , [I]_0-i had n't imagined it from [our]_270-our first meeting . " What do [you]_47-saint think ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance out through the tinted windows as [the car]_{264-the car} eases onto [the main road]_{272-the main road} . " Where are [we]_270-our going ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . " Where do [you]_47-saint think ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i hear the amusement in [his]_47-saint voice . A fresh burst of anger flares to life in [my]_0-i chest . [I]_0-i turn on [him]_47-saint , " Stop this , whatever it is . "_[0-i] " [You]_0-i started it . "_[47-saint] [He]_47-saint folds one leg over [his]_47-saint other knee , and [my]_0-i gaze is drawn to the beat - up cowboy boots . " Is that the same pair [you]_47-saint had on the other day ? "_[47-saint] [He]_47-saint stiffens , then circles [his]_47-saint ankle with [his]_47-saint thick fingers . " Curious about [me]_47-saint ? Want to get to know [me]_47-saint better , hmm ? "_[47-saint] " Of course , not . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn away , glance at the bumper - to - bumper traffic . Who knew there was a graveyard in [the middle of [the city]_{274-the city}]_{273-the middle of the city} tucked away behind all those trees ? [That 's [London]_2-london for [you]_276-you]_{275-that 's london for you} . Full of surprises . [You]_276-you are never too far from [a park]_{277-a park} , or as it turns out in this case , [a resting place reserved for [the very rich]_{279-the very rich}]_{278-a resting place reserved for the very rich} . " [I]_47-saint am taking [you]_276-you to [[your]_276-you hotel]_{2088-your hotel} . "_[47-saint] [Saint]_47-saint 's gravelly voice chafes over [my]_0-i skin . [I]_0-i 'm instantly wet ... Okay , wetter . Oh , my god ! If [anyone]_280-anyone can seduce with words , it is [this man]_{206-this man} . " This is [[my]_0-i car]_{2089-my car} , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn to [him]_{206-this man} , " so it stands to reason that [I]_0-i am the one taking [you]_{206-this man} — "_[0-i] [His]_{206-this man} smile widens [I]_0-i snap [my]_0-i mouth shut . " That 's not what [I]_0-i meant . "_[0-i] " Oh ? "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} tilts [his]_{206-this man} head . " [I]_{206-this man} beg to differ , but let [me]_{206-this man} be absolutely clear , [you]_0-i wo n’t be taking [me]_{206-this man} anywhere . [I]_{206-this man} ’ll be taking [you]_0-i . And [I]_{206-this man} promise [you]_0-i , [I]_{206-this man} will take [you]_0-i , and when [I]_{206-this man} do , it will never be a meeting of [equals]_2090-equals , for ... "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} leans in close , " [I]_{206-this man} hold the power . Never forget that . "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i stare into [those]_282-those cold blue eyes.—the blackness that crawls in their depths , that pulls at [me]_0-i , calls to [me]_0-i , that resonates with that most intimate part of [me]_0-i , the one that [I]_0-i 've never acknowledged , that wants to be taken without mercy . How dare [he]_{206-this man} find out about [my]_0-i innermost needs when [I]_0-i had never acknowledged them [myself]_0-i ? Only when [my]_0-i palm connects with [his]_{206-this man} face , do [I]_0-i realize what [I]_0-i 've done . [I]_0-i gasp . [My]_0-i fingers tingle . [I]_0-i take in the reddening fingerprints on [his]_{206-this man} cheek . " [I]_0-i ... [I]_0-i 'm sorry , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . [He]_{206-this man} peels back [his]_{206-this man} lips , [his]_{206-this man} teeth flashing white against [his]_{206-this man} tanned skin . " Oh , [you]_0-i will be . "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} swoops down . [I]_0-i cringe away , but [he]_{206-this man} 's too fast . [He]_{206-this man} buries [his]_{206-this man} fingers in [my]_0-i hair , tugs [me]_0-i forward . [I]_0-i strain against [his]_{206-this man} hold . [He]_{206-this man} applies pressure — not bruising , not punishing , but just enough for [me]_0-i to lean into [him]_{206-this man} . The black scarf slips from around [my]_0-i neck . [He]_{206-this man} lowers [his]_{206-this man} gaze to where the tops of [my]_0-i breasts are exposed from above the low - cut neckline . [His]_{206-this man} jaw tics . " What belongs to [you]_0-i , but is used by [others]_2091-others ? "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} voice coils around [me]_0-i , slithers down into the crevasse between [my]_0-i lower lips , reaches deep inside , touching , stroking , molding to [my]_0-i contours — a living entity that wants and takes , that never stops , that will not be satisfied until [I]_0-i submit to [him]_{206-this man} . Submit . " Answer the bloody question . "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} tone rams through the jumbled quagmire of [my]_0-i mind , pulling [me]_0-i in , drawing [me]_0-i down , insisting that [I]_0-i focus [my]_0-i attention on that beautiful visage . " [You]_0-i have one second to answer . "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} raises heavy - lidded eyelids ; a flush of red suffuses [his]_{206-this man} cheeks . So , [he]_{206-this man} 's not impervious to [me]_0-i either . This , whatever it is between [us]_283-us , affects [him]_{206-this man} as well . What does that mean ? Can [I]_0-i use it to [my]_0-i advantage ? Do [I]_0-i dare leverage it to get what [I]_0-i want from [him]_{206-this man} ? [I]_0-i tip up [my]_0-i chin . " [I]_0-i … [I]_0-i do n’t know . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i swallow . " Are [you]_{206-this man} sure [you]_{206-this man} want to find out ? "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} leans in close enough for [his]_{206-this man} scent to overpower [me]_0-i . The heat from [his]_{206-this man} big body slams into [my]_0-i chest . [His]_{206-this man} breath sears [my]_0-i cheeks , and [our]_284-our noses bump . [He]_{206-this man} drops [his]_{206-this man} gaze to [my]_0-i mouth . [I]_0-i part [my]_0-i lips , close the remaining millimeters between [us]_284-our . [The world]_{212-the world} tilts . [He]_{206-this man} grabs [my]_0-i shoulder , applies enough pressure that [I]_0-i slip off the car seat and down onto the floor on [my]_0-i knees . [I]_0-i glance up at [him]_{206-this man} , " [You]_{206-this man} have some nerve . "_[0-i] [He]_{206-this man} smirks , widens [his]_{206-this man} legs . Do n't look down . Do n’t . [I]_0-i glance down at the bulge that tents [his]_{206-this man} crotch , which is definitely considerably larger than what [I]_0-i 'd noticed at the wedding . Saliva pools in [my]_0-i mouth . How big , how beautifully heavy [he]_{206-this man} 'd feel down [my]_0-i throat . What the hell am [I]_0-i thinking ? " [I]_0-i just buried [[my]_0-i husband]_{182-my husband} , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i swallow . " [You]_{206-this man} did n't love [him]_{182-my husband} . "_[0-i] [My]_0-i jaw drops , " How dare [you]_{206-this man} arrive at that assumption ? "_[0-i] " Am [I]_{206-this man} wrong ? "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} gaze burns into [me]_0-i . A pulse beats at [his]_{206-this man} temple . [He]_{206-this man} peruses [my]_0-i features , " Tell [me]_{206-this man} . "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i shake [my]_0-i head . [His]_{206-this man} shoulders relax . Huh , does it mean anything to [him]_{206-this man} that [I]_0-i had no feelings for [Adam]_43-adam ? That it was all a front to get [me]_0-i [here]_260-here ? Why is it important to [him]_{206-this man} that [I]_0-i did n't love [another man]_{218-another man} ? [I]_0-i blink at [him]_{206-this man} . [He]_{206-this man} lowers [his]_{206-this man} chin , " Ask [me]_{206-this man} to pull [the car]_{264-the car} over and leave . "_{[206-this man]} " Would [you]_0-i do it ? "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i frown . " Nope , "_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} chuckles , " but it sure was fun allowing [you]_0-i to think [you]_0-i had the option . "_{[206-this man]} Anger twists [my]_0-i chest . Blood thuds at [my]_0-i temple . [I]_0-i raise [my]_0-i hand again . [He]_{206-this man} does n’t take [his]_{206-this man} gaze from [my]_0-i face . " Do n't , "_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} rasps . One word . A softly spoken command . [My]_0-i belly quivers . The force of [his]_{206-this man} personality seems to grow until it fills the space , pushes down on [my]_0-i shoulders , holds [me]_0-i in thrall of this strange connection between [us]_288-us . [I]_0-i lower [my]_0-i arm " [Good girl]_{2094-good girl} . "_[0-i] A flush burns [my]_0-i cheeks . Why does [his]_{206-this man} praise mean [the world]_{212-the world} to [me]_0-i ? Why do [I]_0-i want to please [him]_{206-this man} with every fiber in [my]_0-i being ? This is unnatural . [I]_0-i frown . " [You]_0-i think too much , [Gigi]_53-gigi . "_[0-i] [He]_{206-this man} touches [his]_{206-this man} finger to [my]_0-i forehead . " [My]_{206-this man} name 's [Victoria]_108-victoria , "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i retort . " [Gigi]_53-gigi suits [you]_0-i better . "_{[206-this man]} " Why is that ? "_{[206-this man]} " Short for [Good Girl]_{2094-good girl} . "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} presses [his]_{206-this man} knuckles below [my]_0-i chin , " Also [you]_0-i look like [a Gigi]_{2096-a gigi} . ”_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} turns [my]_0-i face up , " Definitely , [Gigi]_53-gigi . "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i stare up at [him]_{206-this man} . [I]_0-i 've always hated [my]_0-i name . How the hell did [he]_{206-this man} perceive that ? [My]_0-i pulse begins to race . " Also , the answer is ' [my]_{206-this man} name , ' ”_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} drawls . " What ? "_{[206-this man]} [I]_0-i frown . " What do [you]_{206-this man} mean ? "_[0-i] " The answer to [my]_{206-this man} earlier riddle , of course . And [you]_{206-this man} 're welcome . "_{[206-this man]} " For what ? "_{[206-this man]} " [I]_0-i 've decided to spare [you]_{206-this man} the blow job . "_[0-i] " What ? "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} nods . " Do n't tell [me]_{206-this man} [you]_{206-this man} did n't think about it ? "_{[206-this man]} " Of course , not . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i lie . " How about this ? The more [you]_{206-this man} cram into it , the wetter it grows . What is it ? "_[0-i] " Another riddle ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i bite the inside of [my]_0-i cheek . " [You]_0-i started the game , "_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} reminds [me]_0-i . " Think [you]_0-i can keep up with [me]_{206-this man} ? "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} lips curl in that smirk — that [I]_0-i am coming to hate . " This [your]_{206-this man} idea of fun ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i set [my]_0-i jaw . " No , but this is . "_[0-i] [He]_{206-this man} lowers [his]_{206-this man} zipper and [his]_{206-this man} cock springs free . Hard , massive , it points up at [me]_0-i , inviting [me]_0-i , mocking [me]_0-i . A vein pulses up the underside . The head is swollen , nearly purple — How is [he]_{206-this man} this aroused ? Why is it that every time [I]_0-i see [him]_{206-this man} , [he]_{206-this man} seems to be erect ? Why do [I]_0-i care ? So what if [my]_0-i mouth waters and a pulse flares to life between [my]_0-i legs ? [The man]_{207-the man} 's seriously packing , and hell , if [I]_0-i do n't want to wrap [my]_0-i fingers around that beautiful length . No , no , no , did [you]_291-you call [his]_{206-this man} dick beautiful ? Look away , look away . [I]_0-i raise [my]_0-i gaze to [his]_{206-this man} face . " No boxers ? "_[0-i] Did [I]_0-i say that ? Why is it that there is no filter to [my]_0-i thoughts ? [I]_0-i am not normally this way . [I]_0-i am reserved , aloof ... That 's what [I]_0-i ’ve been told , anyway . Is it the role [I]_0-i ’m playing that 's allowing [me]_0-i to lower [my]_0-i barriers ? To speak what 's on [my]_0-i mind and damn the consequences ? [I]_0-i mean , how much worse could it get , right ? " [You]_0-i prefer [I]_{206-this man} wear boxers ? "_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} asks . " [I]_{206-this man} do n't prefer [you]_0-i at all . "_{[206-this man]} " More lies . "_{[206-this man]} [He]_{206-this man} clicks [his]_{206-this man} tongue . " [We]_2097-we 'll have to work on that . "_{[206-this man]} " [I]_0-i am not working on anything with [you]_{206-this man} , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter . " Oh , but [you]_0-i will . "_[0-i] [He]_{206-this man} grips [his]_{206-this man} thick cock , swipes [himself]_{206-this man} from root to head . A bead of precum appears at the top . Saliva pools in [my]_0-i mouth . Why is the sight of [him]_{206-this man} getting [himself]_{206-this man} hot so hot ? [I]_0-i 've seen [my]_0-i share of porn online , researched more in preparation of this role — yeah , [the nerd in [me]_0-i]_{292-the nerd in me} could n't stop until [I]_0-i 'd done a bloody thorough job of it — but this ... ? [Saint]_47-saint 's thick fingers wrapped around [himself]_{206-this man} is ... a study in eroticism . " A hole . "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} voice is harsh . [I]_0-i blink up at [him]_{206-this man} , " Is that the answer to [your]_{206-this man} last riddle ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper . " Did it turn [you]_0-i on when [I]_{206-this man} said that ? "_{[206-this man]} [he]_{206-this man} asks . Heat flares low in [my]_0-i belly . [My]_0-i core pulses in agreement . [My]_0-i throat closes . [My]_0-i mouth is so dry [I]_0-i am sure [I]_0-i ca n't force out a word . [He]_{206-this man} jerks [his]_{206-this man} chin as if [he]_{206-this man} 's already heard [my]_0-i answer , then releases [me]_0-i , only to scoop up the moisture from [his]_{206-this man} dick . [He]_{206-this man} holds out [his]_{206-this man} thumb . " Open . "_{[206-this man]} [His]_{206-this man} voice is low , hushed . The dark edge to [his]_{206-this man} tone brooks no refusal . Obey [him]_{206-this man} . Do it . [My]_0-i mouth waters . Heat curls low in [my]_0-i belly . [I]_0-i lower [my]_0-i mouth , close it around [his]_{206-this man} finger .

3

[Saint]_47-saint

[I]_0-i glance down at the back of [her]_293-her head . [Her]_293-her pink tongue swirls around [my]_0-i finger , then [she]_293-her takes [me]_0-i in , sucks on [my]_0-i digit . [My]_0-i cock jerks . Bloody hell . [She]_293-her is n't supposed to affect [me]_0-i on such an elemental level . This yearning need that boils up inside of [me]_0-i , that had compelled [me]_0-i to glance at [her]_293-her across [the freshly - dug grave of [[her]_293-her husband]_{223-her husband}]_{294-the freshly - dug grave of her husband} and think : [mine]_296-mine . What the fuck is that about ? [I]_0-i do n't do emotions . Nor relationships . Definitely never allow [a woman]_{297-a woman} to take control . Ever . [I]_0-i scowl as [she]_293-her takes [my]_0-i finger deeper into [her]_293-her mouth . [She]_293-her presses the length of [her]_293-her tongue to [my]_0-i digit , and heat radiates from the contact ; blood rushes to [my]_0-i groin . " Fucking fuck . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her sucks in [her]_293-her lips , mocking the motion of what [she]_293-her could do to [my]_0-i cock . A pulse flares to life behind [my]_0-i eyelids , at [my]_0-i wrist , even in [my]_0-i fucking balls . [She]_293-her leans back , releasing [my]_0-i finger with a wet plop . " Is that enough ? "_[293-her] [she]_293-her snaps . " [We]_2098-we have n't even begun . "_[293-her] " This is wrong . "_[293-her] [Her]_293-her lips tighten . " Whatever the relationship between [Adam]_43-adam and [me]_293-her ... [We]_2098-we just buried [him]_43-adam . It 's basic human decency , that [we]_2098-we do n't — "_[293-her] " Fuck ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i tilt [my]_0-i head . " But [we]_2098-we are n't . "_[0-i] " A technicality . "_[293-her] [she]_293-her insists . " Oh , believe [me]_293-her , when [we]_2098-we screw , there will be nothing technical about it . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her trembles . [The limo]_{298-the limo} moves forward with a muted lurch . Silence a beat , then another . " Do n't do it . "_[293-her] [she]_293-her murmurs . " [You]_0-i mean this ? "_[293-her] [I]_0-i reach down , swipe [myself]_0-i from base to head . [She]_293-her gulps . The black of [her]_293-her pupils bleeds out , leaving only a circle of green around them . [This woman]_{299-this woman} ... [Her]_{299-this woman} response is the single most erotic thing [I]_0-i have ever seen . [Her]_293-her gaze latches onto [my]_0-i motions as [I]_0-i pump [myself]_0-i back - forth - back . " Why ? "_[293-her] [she]_293-her asks . [Her]_293-her features twist . [Her]_293-her gaze , though , does n't waver . [She]_293-her watches with a single - minded intensity that 's as much of a turn on ... more so ... with the anticipation that builds between [us]_300-us . Because there 's a strange pleasure in denying [myself]_0-i access to what [I]_0-i could so easily have . One glance and [she]_293-her 'd be on [her]_293-her back , opening [her]_293-her legs to [me]_0-i ... but that would be too easy . Besides , [I]_0-i need [her]_293-her to come to [me]_0-i ; to put [herself]_293-her at [my]_0-i mercy . Until then , this will have to do . [I]_0-i increase the pace of [my]_0-i movements . [Her]_293-her breathing grows ragged . [Her]_293-her chest rises and falls . [I]_0-i watch [her]_293-her watch [me]_0-i pleasure [myself]_0-i , and fuck , if that is n't the most erotic sensation ever . The tension tightens at the base of [my]_0-i spine . Fuck , if [I]_0-i do n’t come right now . [I]_0-i squeeze the base of [my]_0-i cock to hold [myself]_0-i in . " [I]_0-i absolve [you]_293-her of responsibility , [Gigi]_53-gigi , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i snap . [She]_293-her jerks [her]_293-her chin , " What do [you]_0-i mean ? "_[293-her] " [You]_293-her do n't have to pretend . [You]_293-her want to do this , but [your]_293-her conscience does n't permit [you]_293-her . Well , blame it on [me]_293-her . Use [me]_293-her as [your]_293-her excuse . When [we]_2099-we get to the other side , [you]_293-her can resume [your]_293-her role in [the real world]_{2100-the real world} , but for now , there 's only [me]_293-her , [you]_293-her , and this orgasm that 's pushing for release . Allow [yourself]_293-her to enjoy this , [Gigi]_53-gigi . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her draws in a sharp breath , [her]_293-her lips part , and it 's as if it ’s a signal . [My]_0-i orgasm roars out ; [my]_0-i balls draw up . [I]_0-i position [my]_0-i dick and come all over [her]_293-her face , [her]_293-her chest , across [her]_293-her arms . [Her]_293-her chest rises and falls ; [her]_293-her shoulders snap back . " Do n't [you]_53-gigi dare come , [Gigi]_53-gigi . "_[293-her] " What ? "_[293-her] [she]_293-her gasps . " [You]_293-her heard [me]_0-i , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i admonish . [She]_293-her licks [her]_293-her lips , [her]_293-her shoulders heave . [I]_0-i reach across and rub [my]_0-i cum into [her]_293-her face , [her]_293-her neck , into the creamy skin of [her]_293-her arms . Then [I]_0-i reach for the tissue holder , snatch up some sheets and clean [myself]_0-i off . [I]_0-i tuck [myself]_0-i in , help [her]_293-her onto the seat , making sure to keep the length of the seat between [us]_301-us . " [[You]_0-i bastard]_{2101-you bastard} , "_[293-her] [she]_293-her snarls . " [You]_0-i 're frustrated . [I]_0-i understand . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i smirk . This is a new low , even for [me]_0-i . Shit . Why eviscerate [her]_293-her ego completely ? Is this the only way [I]_0-i am able to communicate ? To hide behind the façade [I]_0-i have so carefully built to hide from [the world]_{212-the world} ? [She]_293-her makes a noise deep in [her]_293-her throat . [I]_0-i shake [my]_0-i head . " Do n’t do it . "_[293-her] " What ? "_[293-her] " Whatever bodily injury [you]_293-her were planning . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i glance at [her]_293-her sideways . " [I]_0-i 'm stronger than [you]_293-her . "_[0-i] " No shit . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her tosses [her]_293-her head . " [You]_0-i do n't get it now , but it 's for [your]_0-i own good . "_[293-her] " What ? "_[293-her] [She]_293-her throws up [her]_293-her hands . " [You]_0-i coming all over [me]_293-her — "_[293-her] " Which [you]_293-her enjoyed . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her opens [her]_293-her mouth — [I]_0-i slash [my]_0-i palm across the air , " Do n't deny it . "_[0-i] [She]_293-her flattens [her]_293-her lips , " — or that [you]_0-i did n’t let [me]_293-her come ? "_[293-her] " Ah ... Now that , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i tap [my]_0-i fingers on [my]_0-i chest , " is easy to fix . "_[0-i] " [I]_293-her 'm sure [I]_293-her do n't want to know this . "_[293-her] " Oh , but [you]_293-her do . All [you]_293-her have to do is come to [me]_293-her and ask [me]_293-her for help . "_[293-her] " Help ? "_[0-i] " From whatever situation it is that [you]_293-her find [yourself]_293-her in . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn , scan [her]_293-her features . " [I]_0-i have power , [Gigi]_53-gigi . "_[0-i] " And money , "_[293-her] [she]_293-her says bitterly . " More than [you]_0-i can imagine . "_[293-her] [I]_0-i nod . " Whatever problem [you]_293-her have , [I]_0-i can resolve it for [you]_293-her . "_[0-i] " In return for what ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i look [her]_293-her up and down , " [I]_0-i 'll think of something . "_[0-i] " No doubt . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her turns to glance outside , [her]_293-her profile bleak . [Her]_293-her chin wobbles . That same strange heat stabs at [my]_0-i chest , a reaction [I]_0-i seem to have when [I]_0-i hurt [her]_293-her . Fuck . This ... is unacceptable . " Or not . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i straighten . [The limo]_{298-the limo} pulls up to the curb in front of [[her]_293-her hotel]_{304-her hotel} . [She]_293-her reaches for the door . " There 's one thing more . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her pauses . " [You]_293-her wo n't come , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i command . " What ? "_[0-i] [She]_293-her turns around to stare at [me]_0-i . " The hell do [you]_293-her mean ? "_[293-her] [I]_0-i lean back , place [my]_0-i arm across the back of the seat . " [Your]_293-her every orgasm belongs to [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] " No . "_[0-i] " Yes , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i nod , waggle a finger in the air . " No cheating , [darling]_2102-darling . [You]_293-her will not come until [I]_0-i give [you]_293-her permission . "_[0-i] " Fuck [you]_0-i . "_[293-her] [She]_293-her pushes open the door , flounces off . [The limo]_{298-the limo} pulls away , turns the corner , then stops . [I]_0-i push open [my]_0-i door , step around , and slide into [the driver]_{266-the driver} 's seat . " [You]_0-i better know what [you]_0-i 're doing , "_[62-weston] [Weston]_62-weston growls from the passenger seat . [I]_0-i glance over [him]_62-weston , laugh , " The uniform suits [you]_62-weston . "_[0-i] " [I]_62-weston did n't have to wear the hat . "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston tosses it down between the seats . " Aww , [women]_2103-women love [men]_2104-men in uniform , "_[62-weston] [I]_0-i snicker . " [You]_0-i 're envious of how [I]_62-weston look in scrubs , "_[62-weston] [he]_62-weston retorts . [I]_0-i shoot [him]_62-weston a sideways glance . " Still ca n't understand why [you]_62-weston chose to become [a doctor]_{2105-a doctor} . "_[0-i] " Same reason [you]_62-weston wear those beat up cowboy boots . "_[0-i] " Sentimental value . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i raise [my]_0-i shoulders . " Keep telling [yourself]_0-i that , "_[62-weston] [he]_62-weston mutters . " Besides , considering the amount of time [I]_62-weston 'm spending to help [you]_0-i with [your]_0-i affair , [I]_62-weston may not be [a doctor]_{2105-a doctor} for much longer . "_[62-weston] " Not an affair , "_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter , easing [the car]_{264-the car} back in traffic . " Yeah . "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston scratches [his]_62-weston jaw , " Seriously , [you]_0-i could have allowed [the woman]_{2107-the woman} a little time to recover from the funeral . "_[62-weston] " It 's all a bloody act . "_[62-weston] [I]_0-i spot a break in traffic , step on the gas , and [the limo]_{298-the limo} pulls forward . " [The private investigator]_{2108-the private investigator} come through with information ? "_[0-i] " Some . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i frown . " Enough to confirm that [she]_{2107-the woman} 's not as innocent as [she]_{2107-the woman} 'd want [me]_0-i to believe . "_[0-i] " And [her]_{2107-the woman} marriage ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i draw in a breath , then pull out [my]_0-i pack of cigarettes . [I]_0-i depress the button for the lighter , then toss the pack over to [Weston]_62-weston , " Light one for [me]_0-i , will [you]_62-weston ? "_[0-i] " Thought [you]_62-weston quit . "_[62-weston] " Do n't fucking nag [me]_62-weston , [man]_2109-man . "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston shoots [me]_0-i a sideways glance , then pulls out a cigarette . [He]_62-weston leans forward , grabs the lighter from the dash and lights it up . [He]_62-weston blows out smoke , before placing it between [my]_0-i lips . [I]_0-i draw in a puff , then another . " So , [her]_2110-her marriage is — ? "_[62-weston] [he]_62-weston prompts . [I]_0-i blow out a breath . " Could n't find any evidence of it being legal . "_[0-i] [Weston]_62-weston turns to [me]_0-i , " [You]_0-i mean ... ? "_[62-weston] [I]_0-i hold up [my]_0-i hand , " [I]_0-i do n't think it 's genuine . "_[0-i] " Maybe it 's wishful thinking ? "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston drums [his]_62-weston fingers on [his]_62-weston thigh . " [You]_0-i sure that [you]_0-i are n't splitting straws . "_[62-weston] And is n't that the fucking truth ? Why the hell ca n't [I]_0-i simply walk away from [her]_309-her ? " [We]_2111-we 'll find out soon enough . "_[0-i] [I]_0-i draw in a breath . " For now the scene is set . "_[0-i] " Scene ? "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston glowers at [me]_0-i . " Do n't push it , [man]_2109-man . [You]_2109-man 're already w - a - a - y too involved with [this woman]_{299-this woman} . "_[62-weston] " Involved ? "_[0-i] [I]_0-i laugh . " [You]_62-weston know how much [I]_0-i love riddles . It 's been a long time since [I]_0-i ’ve found one that challenged [me]_0-i . "_[0-i] " Be careful , [Saint]_47-saint . "_[62-weston] [He]_62-weston snickers , " Some puzzles are best left unsolved . "_[62-weston]